LOVE LETTERS: A poignant love story is set against the horrors of the First World War
LOVE LETTERS: A poignant love story is set against the horrors of the First World War

A POIGNANT love story from the First World War comes to Middleton-in-Teesdale this weekend.

Letters from the Front, based on the book Thirty-odd Feet Below Belgium, by Arthur Stockwin, brings to life the letters exchanged between Geoffrey Boothby, of the South Staffordshire Regiment, and Edith Ainscow, a 17-year-old soon-to-be medical student at the University of Birmingham.

After spending only four days together, Geoffrey was sent to the front to work for the Royal Engineer Tunnellers below the Ypres Salient, leaving Edith to live with the ever-present fear of bad news.

During the next 18 months, hope is sustained and a relationship blossoms through little more than written correspondence.

Despite their circumstances, Edith and Geoff’s letters are full of light and life. The story is played out by performers Catherine Davies and Joseph Passafaro using a fusion of traditional storytelling and digital media.

It will be performed at Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services, Chapel Row, Middleton-in-Teesdale, on Saturday, February 29, at 7pm.

It is suitable for ages 12-plus. Tickets are £10 adults, £5 children and £25 for a family.

For details and to book, call 01833 641010.